Spirits Bay

Christine Hill’s fascination with the ring-like form of Totorere shells,worn down by the elements, began over 50 years ago on a trip to Spirits Bay at the top of the North Island. While walking, Michael picked up a smooth-worn shell, elegantly curved and fluid to the touch, and slipped it onto her finger.

She began collecting these masterpieces shaped by the elements, sketching them and searching for the purest, most graceful form to transform into a celebration of resiliency and strength, brought to life in precious metal.

The story

Totorere shells are worn down by the elements until only the strongest part of the shell remains.

Christine Hill’s fascination with Totorere shells began on her first trip to Spirits Bay.

She began collecting shells and sketching their fluid forms on each return trip to Spirits Bay.

Christine searched for the most perfect shape to transform into a talisman of strength and resiliency.

"Whether worn as a symbol of achievement, a celebration of your own inner strength, or given as a gift in recognition of remarkable grace under pressure, I believe the purity and simplicity of the design speaks to the spirit of strong women everywhere. Women who have pursued their dreams wholeheartedly, who have persevered and never given up."